-
Location
This photo was shot while taking my daughter to school one day. I glanced across a field and saw the squirrel as seen in the photo.
Time
It was around 7:30 in the morning. I always keep my camera with me. I pulled over on the side of the road, opened the window and asked my daughter to lean back so I could take the shot.
Lighting
This was a natural light photo. I was lucky (as photographers often are) that the sun was behind me.
Equipment
The photo was taken with a Canon 7D equipped with a Tamron 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC LD lens. On a shoestring budget at the time, I found the lens to be of a good quality at a reasonable price and able to produce quality photographs.
-
Inspiration
I am on an ever ending quest to discover what style of photography is my favorite. I tend to view my surroundings as if I am constantly looking through a lens. I am not on a quest to take the perfect squirrel picture but rather a quest to learn how to take the perfect picture regardless of the subject matter. Often a subject presents itself and makes me think, wow, that would make for a great photo, as was the case with this picture.
Editing
I sometimes go heavy on post-processing but it is nice to look at a picture and realize it stands on its own as taken. This photo was cropped for framing only.
In my camera bag
In my day to day travels, I always have my Canon 5D Mark III equipped with a Canon EF 24-105mm L series lens. If I am out to specifically work on photography, I carry a Sigma 105mm macro lens, Sigma 100-600 zoom lens, several flashes including a macro ring flash, tripod, variety of filters and a Canon 7D as a backup camera.
Feedback
A large number of my photos are opportunist photos. I have recently begun working posed or staged shots. But sometimes the best shots present themselves out of the blue. For those shots, I suggest always carrying a camera with you, even if it is a small pocket camera. Second, learn your equipment and be able to go from 'off' to picture taken in a matter of seconds. If you are trying to capture photos of a specific animal or other critter, learn where they congregate and what time of day and season of the year present the best opportunity. Years ago before I was into photography we had a black bear that would visit our property. The bear came every Friday and Saturday night during the summer. We later found out that it's timing was due to a campground down the road. The bear had figured out that Friday night and Saturday were the days that the campground had more people and thus more food for the pickings. Lastly, learn patients. Learn to be still and blend into the background. Many animals are skittish and the slightest move will scare them off.
See more amazing photos, follow VanderblackStudios